Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Generic name: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Drug class: Nutraceutical products

Usage of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Certain prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used in adults, together with diet to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used in combination with other vitamins in adults and children as a dietary supplement.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain; or

uneven heartbeats.

Common side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may include:

burping, changes in your sense of taste;

loss of appetite;

diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;

back pain; or

dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

You should not use omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids if you are allergic to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soy, fish or shellfish.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids if you have any health problems.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

diabetes;

bleeding problems, anemia (low red blood cells);

a heart rhythm disorder;

a pancreas disorder;

underactive thyroid; or

liver disease.

It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Do not give any herbal or health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Relate drugs

How to use Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia:

1 gram prescription only products:4 grams orally daily; may be given as a single dose or 2 divided doses.Comments:-Assess triglyceride levels carefully before starting therapy and identify other possible causes (e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications) and manage appropriately.-Patients should be on a lipid lowering diet prior to using this medication, and continue the diet during use of this medication.-Capsules should be swallowed whole; do not break, crush, chew or dissolve capsules.-In clinical trials, the medication was administered with meals.

Warnings

Use only as directed and follow all directions on the label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Do not take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

medicine used to prevent blood clots--alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others; or

a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.